Edge Negotiation for Rappelling
I come from a climbing background, so generally, I'm in a good position to begin rappelling when I'm at an anchor. (Although, this same issue sometimes applies to walk-up-the-back topropes...but only for the guy who first sets up the anchor and raps down. The rest of the group is generally lowered/walks off.)
Anyway, I've now been on a handful of group Canyoneering trips and one thing I've repeatedly noticed is that anchors are often low, and there is oftentimes a slanted/broken/uneven edge to navigate.
I believe most people know many of the principles involved here: direction of pull, protect the rope from the edge(s), don't shock weight the anchor, etc. However, I've witnessed (and participated in) all sorts of unceremonious *rough* starts... (I don't know any stats here, but I'd venture a good number of accidents happen at "the edge" when people let go with the brake hand to push off, protect face in a slip, or "skooch away" from a wall.)
In any event, it seems the rescue/fire folks may place an ascender above the rappel device, and "pivot" into position (easily done with a nice, flat ledge). While climbing, we'd sometimes place a directional piece with a sling (I'm guessing not possible in most canyons) up high or angled to ease into a good rappel position.
Is there an obvious trick am I missing? I'm guessing there may be a move or maneuver that I just haven't seen anyone execute consistently? (...tons of variables here, but if not a single "move" or "trick" what are some of the, "mental algorithms" people use to consistently initiate a rappel?)
Thanks,
Scott
Edge Negotiation for Rappelling
Something quick that came to mind is that often people are not perpendicular (best they can, anyways) to the wall when they rappel.
It’s almost as if they are trying to downclimb the rappel rather than lean back at a perpendicular angle to the rock and go from there.
That may be the simplest thing beginners can learn at a young canyoneering age.
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